Ferrari is planning a focused private test at Monza to prepare Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc for the Miami Grand Prix, targeting the latest aerodynamic upgrades they hope to debut on race day.
The 2026 Formula 1 calendar has entered an unexpected break following the Japanese Grand Prix, caused by the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia rounds due to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. These cancellations created a five-week gap before the Miami Grand Prix, providing Ferrari with a unique window to refine their car.
During this off-week, Ferrari had originally proposed a joint test at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, aiming to exceed the standard 200km limit allowed for filming days. However, rival teams especially Aston Martin, McLaren, Mercedes, and Williams reportedly opposed the idea. As a result, Ferrari will conduct a private filming session strictly adhering to F1’s 200km on-track limit.
Testing the Macarena Rear Wing and Aero Upgrades
The focus of Ferrari’s Monza session will be twofold. Engineers from Maranello intend to assess how effectively the SF-26 power unit recovers energy in high-speed conditions, particularly around the Temple of Speed. At the same time, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will have the opportunity to trial Ferrari’s newest aerodynamic package designed specifically for the tight, car park-style layout of the Miami Grand Prix at Hard Rock Stadium.
A key highlight of Ferrari’s Miami upgrades is the Macarena rear wing. Hamilton first tested the wing during pre-season in Bahrain, and both Hamilton and Leclerc briefly used it in China. Ferrari had initially decided against running the Macarena wing beyond practice sessions in China due to reliability concerns and balance issues that could not be fully resolved in time for the Grand Prix. Plans to deploy it in Japan were also shelved, as the limited Straight Mode Zones did not provide sufficient opportunity for meaningful testing.
Preparation for a Competitive Return in Miami
With the Miami Grand Prix scheduled for May 1-3, Ferrari aims to ensure that both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are fully prepared to hit the ground running. Engineers have been refining both aerodynamic and hybrid system updates, ensuring that the SF-26 can manage battery energy efficiently while maximizing downforce and stability in Florida’s unique circuit layout. The Macarena rear wing, now optimized based on earlier testing data, is expected to play a central role in these improvements.
Looking ahead, the Italian side intends for the Macarena rear wing to feature at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza later this season, with the possibility of making its race debut in Miami. The team will carefully monitor Straight Mode Zones, which in Florida could extend from Turns 19 to 1, Turns 8 or 9 to 11, and Turns 16 to 17, to maximize the performance benefits of their updated aero package.
Overall, Ferrari’s private Monza filming day represents a critical step in ensuring that both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc can compete effectively against their rivals, combining advanced aerodynamics, energy management improvements, and strategic data analysis to gain an edge at the Miami Grand Prix.
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